Biodiversity in your
School Grounds
WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY & WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity means the variety of life. It includes all plants and animals, their habitats and the
factors that link them to each other and their surroundings. It is not restricted to rare and
threatened species and habitats but includes the whole of the natural world from the
commonplace to the critically endangered.
Why should Biodiversity be protected?
We all have a part to play in safeguarding the Earth’s biodiversity. Therefore action needs to
be taken, at both a local and global level, before our biodiversity disappears for good.
Increasing biodiversity in your school grounds can make an important contribution to efforts to
preserve biodiversity across Manchester and the UK.
The benefits of biodiversity are endless, but include:
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Learning about and enjoying the wildlife of Manchester. This makes an important
contribution to our quality of life, health and spiritual well being. School grounds
provide an excellent site for students to learn about biodiversity.
Plants, animals and habitats enrich our everyday lives as they produce the necessary
ingredients for all life to exist.
Without conserving biodiversity, we will pass to our successors a planet that is
markedly poorer than the one we were privileged to inherit. Therefore we have a duty
and a role of play to ensure that the earth and its environment are protected for
generations to come,
Increased biodiversity can raise environmental awareness in local communities. It has
also been shown that improving school grounds can influence children’s values and
attitudes towards the wider environment.
There are ethical grounds for conservation, as many people believe that every species
is of value in its own right
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LINKS TO ECO SCHOOLS
Eco-schools is a programme that provides a framework to help schools become more
sustainable. There are three levels that your school can work towards: Bronze award, Silver
award and Green Flag. Pupil involvement is key to the success of eco-schools.
Biodiversity is one of the nine eco-schools themes. However it is important to note that all
of the themes are interconnected in some way. For example working on your litter or waste
themes will impact positively on biodiversity. Increasing biodiversity will also help with your
targets in your school grounds theme.
For more information on eco schools visit their website www.eco-schools.org.uk or contact
Gemma Lee, Environmental Education Officer at Manchester City Council on 0161 953 2760.
CURRICULUM LINKS
Understanding and respect for nature can be fostered in children from a very early age.
Biodiversity is an essential component of environmental education and can be linked to the
national curriculum in many different ways. Your school could try to:
Include biodiversity in your curriculum, there are clear links to science, maths and
geography as well as citizenship, art and English. For example completing a
biodiversity audit could develop mapping skills in geography and data analysis skills in
maths.
Consider using an INSET day for training in
biodiversity education.
Explore biodiversity in your school grounds,
nearby park or environmental study centre
as part of the curriculum.
Organise a nature day in the school
grounds and/or set up a wildlife club at
school.
Join a conservation organisation such as
the British Trust for Conservation
Volunteers or The Wildlife Trust as a school member.
Use the classroom to demonstrate good practice for the environment: recycle waste
and use water and energy wisely.
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GETTING STARTED
Increasing biodiversity step by step
Gather baseline data about the level of biodiversity at your school. The audit at the back of
this handout could help to get you started.
Now you have a bit of an idea of what biodiversity exists in your school grounds you can
start to decide what area of the grounds you will focus on. What are your goals?
What action will you need to take to reach your goals? For example if your goal is to
increase the diversity or number of butterflies that visit your grounds what actions will you
need to take to make this happen.
Decide at this stage how you will measure whether or not your actions have been
successful
Decide on timescales. Will you need to fundraise first? Can the work be completed in the
current school term?
Designate responsibility for the different actions that are required. Make sure everybody is
aware of exactly how they are required to contribute
Be positive and go for it... put your action plan into place!
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HOW TO INCREASE BIODIVERSITY
By changing a small area in your school grounds into a wildlife garden you will be providing a
valuable habitat for local wildlife. The wildlife garden will also be an outdoor classroom where
you can discover the natural world and develop your understanding of environmental issues
through first hand experience.
Simply planting some native plants and providing attractive conditions for wildlife such as
insects and garden birds to shelter and feed will increase the wildlife population.
Activity and project ideas……
Hedges, trees and shrubs
Plant native species of trees, shrubs and hedgerows. These will help to attract a wide range
of insects, birds and small mammals that feed on them. Choose species with berries or nectar
rich flowers (rowan or guelder rose), and that are characteristic of local semi-natural habitats
(birch, oak, ash, alder, elm and willow).
Plant shrubs closely together in groups or as a hedge to provide living space and food for all
sorts of wildlife. Native choices include Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Wild rose, Holly, Hazel and
Elder.
Bird and bat boxes
With bird and bat populations decreasing,
making bird and bat boxes is an excellent
idea to help our flying friends live and
breed. January and February are the ideal
times to build the box and use in the spring.
Make sure the boxes don’t face the sun
and are not exposed to the rain.
Bird and butterfly feeders
By providing food for birds and other
animals you will help to attract them to your
grounds where they can be watched and
studied.
Different birds eat different foods in
different ways and different places. Provide
nuts, seeds, fat and kitchen scraps in
feeders, trays and on the ground to allow
for the various diets and feeding methods of many species particularly in Winter. Move
feeding places occasionally to guard against predators, disease and unwelcome visitors such
as rats.
Make a butterfly border of long-flowering, sweet-smelling, sun-loving plants such as Buddleia
(butterfly bush). Plant them in a sheltered sunny spot and arrange to have some plants in
flower all year round. Moths are attracted to night-scented stocks such as Honeysuckle and
Evening Primrose.
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Wet areas
Water is vital for all living things, providing a source of water in
your school grounds will increase the range of plants and
animals that can survive there.
‘Wild’ corners
Undisturbed ‘wild’ areas where
grass and wildflowers grow,
can provide valuable shelter
and food for wildlife. Damp log
piles create an ideal winter
home for hibernating frogs,
toads and newts.
FUNDING
Volvo Eco Adventure Grants
Awards for young environmentalists
www.volvocars.co.uk/ecoadventure
This award scheme provides 10 annual grants of £500 for an environmental project run by young
people. One of the categories is the Biodiversity Award for a project which contributes to conserving
local flora or fauna. All the details are online or call
0207 5935278. Deadline for applications is 16 December 2005
British Ecological Society
Grants for School Ground Developments
http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/articles/grants/education/EEG/#School_Ground_Developments
The purpose of this grant is to support initiatives to enhance school grounds as ideal places to teach
practical ecology. Whether you want to build a school pond or develop a nature reserve a BES grant
could help you to get started.
Suitable for primary and secondary, Value: Up to £1000
Application deadlines: Sept 30th, Jan 31st and April 30th.
Download the application from the website.
B & Q Better Neighbour Grants
Grants are normally between £50-£500. Available to schools to help get a project up and running. The
scheme provides B&Q materials, for example, pond liners, plants, peat-free compost for projects such
as a pond/wildlife garden.
Apply to your local store manager for details
Ernest Cook Trust Educational Grants
www.ernestcooktrust.org.uk
Grants range from £100-£300. The ECT does not help with capital costs e.g. digging ponds,
constructing paths. However they can help with educational resources such as bug boxes, pond
dipping equipment, bat boxes, books on wildlife, weather stations etc. Application details on website
Email: grants@ernestcooktrust.org.uk Tel: 01285 713 273
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USEFUL CONTACTS
Establishing links and finding out where to go for ideas, help and support is an important
factor in the success developing your school grounds and increasing biodiversity.
Nest box kits - Mersey Valley Warden Service 0161 8815639
Nest boxes, bird feeders, bird food - Jacobi Jayne & Company 0800 0720130 or
your nearest garden centre
Wildflower seed and plants - Landlife Wildflowers 0151 7271819
Trees & shrubs - British Trust for Conservation Volunteers 01302 572200 or your
nearest garden centre
Tools - British Trust for Conservation Volunteers 01302 572200 or your nearest
garden centre
Nets, Field Study accessories, surveying equipment and pond liners - Envisage
0870 9507222
If you would like to purchase something which isn't listed above, please
contact Jon Follows (0161 2341869) or Cath Battersby (0161 2375656) for help.
Organisation
Contact
Summary
Greater Manchester
Biodiversity Project
http://www.gmbiodiversity.org.uk/
gmeu@tameside.gov.uk
Manchester City Council
Environmental Strategy
Team
Jon Follows
Environmental Strategy Officer
j.follows@manchester.gov.uk
www.wildaboutmanchester.info
Gemma Lee
Tel: 0161 953 2760
Email:
g.lee1@notes.manchester.gov.uk
The Biodiversity Project aims to bring together
individuals and organisations from all sectors
of the community to conserve biodiversity
across Greater Manchester. They can offer
advice and information on wildlife
conservation, ecological surveys, habitat
creation and management. Will offer specific
advice to schools on particular species and
grants.
Can provide support, guidance and
information on a range of environmental
issues
Manchester City Council
Environmental Education
Officer
www.eco-schools.org.uk
Groundwork
School Grounds
Development
Programme
www.manchester.gov.uk/environ
ment/education/index.htm
School Grounds Liaison Officer
Tel: 0161 237 5656
Fax: 0161 237 3939
One to one support for Eco Schools
Can sometimes help with small scale planting
and provide flowers, bulbs and trees.
Can provide litter pick materials to clean up
your school grounds (litter picks, gloves,
bags), can also arrange to pick up larger
items of rubbish.
Contact point to order your copy of the Going
for Green resource pack for teachers
Main sign-posting organisation for Manchester
Schools, offering advice and information
about the process and development of school
grounds.
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Manchester
Environmental Education
Network (MEEN)
Raichael Lock
Tel: 0161 273 8881
Email: meen@gn.apc.org
Parkside Training Centre
Barbara Stafford or Roy Tattersall
Tel: 0161 740 3419
Red Rose Forest
Tel: 0161 872 1660
Email: team@redroseforest.co.uk
British Trust for
Conservation Volunteers
(BTCV)
South Manchester
The National Wildflower
Centre - Liverpool
Katie Lowry
Tel: 07740 899539
www.btcv.org.uk
Tel: 0151 737 1819
Email: info@landlife.org.uk
http://www.nwc.org.uk/
Manchester City Council
Park Warden Service
South: 0161 998 2117
Central: 0161 224 2902
North: 0161 795 2650
East: 0161 2238278
The Wildlife Trust for
Lancashire, Manchester
and North Merseyside.
Tel:01772 324129
Fax: 01772 628849
Email: lancswt@cix.co.uk
www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/
lancashire/
Gives support to schools in teaching
Education for Sustainable Development.
Provide training for teachers, useful contacts
and advice on resources. Also support ecoschools work.
They have a demonstration garden set up so
that groups (including schools) can see what
different types of trees look like. They have a
self guided walk but make sure you call in
advance to let them know you are coming.
Advise on woodland development and can
provide trees/wildflowers free of charge for
community projects. May have ideas on
funding.
BTCV South Manchester can offer advice and
assistance in schools grounds issues. Mainly
help with funding or physical labour using
dedicated volunteers.
Advise schools on gardening projects
involving wildflowers (meadow areas etc).
Teacher’s resource pack available for £12.50
(ideas for the classroom).
The warden service organise a range of
affordable educational activities and events
for local schools. Many of these play a key
role in developing and fulfilling aspects of the
national curriculum. Bug hunts, pond dipping
and especially tree/bulb planting are some of
the many activities that tie in with the theme of
biodiversity
Environmental Charity dedicated to
conserving all our habitats and species.
Also run ‘Wild Watch’ for young
environmentalists. Publish a ‘Wildlife Action
pack’ with information on promotion
biodiversity.
USEFUL RESOURCES
Organisation
Summary
Wild about Manchester
http://www.wildaboutmanchester.info/site/
Manchester’s own biodiversity web site. Links to the
biodiversity strategy, education, latest events etc..
Nature Detectives
http://www.naturedetectives.org.uk/
All the resources you need to discover, survey and
monitor biodiversity in your school grounds. Many free
resources available online when you register.
English Nature
http://www.englishnature.org.uk/science/nature_for_schools/default.asp
Lesson plans, activities and information. Free guides
‘Plants for wildlife-friendly gardens’ ‘Wildlife-friendly
gardening - a general guide’ available on the website
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Arkive
1. www.arkive.org
2. www.arkiveeducation.org
1.Search for your favourite animal or plant and find out
whether they are endangered with an excellent separate
education resource site
2. The website features lesson plans, support materials,
curriculum links and project ideas
rECOrd
www.consult-eco.ndirect.co.uk/lrc/educres.htm
This website features many free and photocopiable
worksheets – from mini beast hunts to butterfly
identification
Greater Manchester Biodiversity Project
www.gmbiodiversity.org.uk/
This site hosted by Greater Manchester Biodiversity
Project gives local information about what’s happening in
Greater Manchester and links to local groups
Natural History Museum: Exploring Biodiversity
http://internt.nhm.ac.uk/eb/index.shtml
Lots of interesting information about wildlife and nature
conservation from the National History Museum in
London. Includes lesson plans and a database to
compare areas in the UK by postcode
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
www.rspb.org.uk
Tree for all
http://www.treeforall.org.uk/
Information about Garden hedges and other ways to
attract birds to your site.
Tree For All is the most ambitious children's tree-planting
project ever launched in the UK, with plans to help plant
12 million trees over the next five years. With your
support, Tree For All could give one million children the
chance to make a positive difference
The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading conservation
charity dedicated to the protection of our native
woodland heritage
A range of online and offline resources for teachers and
pupils about trees
Woodland Trust
http://www.woodland-trust.org.uk
http://www.wildaboutwoods.org.uk
Developing & Using Environmental Areas in School Grounds (Cleapps Guide L221)
Free Guide available from Cleapps to all Manchester LEA schools
Information on many topics related to biodiversity: For example bird gardens and bird tables,
butterfly gardens, meadows, ponds and trees.
Tel: 01895 251496 Fax/Answerphone: 01895 814372
www.cleapss.org.uk E-mail: science@cleapss.org.uk
Enhancing Wildlife in the School Ground
http://www.ecoeducation.org.uk/Practical%20files/practical_schoolgrounds.htm
Enhancing Wildlife in the School Ground, produced by Gateshead Council, is an excellent
guide to developing your school grounds for both educational and wildlife purposes. It
provides information that will be useful to both beginners and experts in wildlife gardening for
schools. Go to the above website and download the document as a PDF file.
Growing Schools Garden Resource Pack
http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/growingschools/support/detail.cfm?id=29
Free resource pack with lesson plans. For example ‘Growing Wildflowers’, ‘Butterfly and Bee
Borders’ and ‘Hanging Bird Feeders’.
Visit the website or email growing.schools@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
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Manchester Schools
Biodiversity Audit
Name of School
Address
Contact name
Date of Audit
Features for attracting wildlife
Feature
Number
Comments
Size (metres2)
Comments
Bird box
Bird bath
Bird feeder
Bat box
Log pile
Pond
Hedge
Wildflower meadow
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Plants to attract
Butterflies
Number
Comments
Bees
Birds
Trees
Type of planting
Species
No.
Height
Spread
Single
Row
Woodland
Woodlands
This table will apply to you if there are any areas of woodland or small copses of trees on or
adjacent to your school grounds.
Hectares
Squares
Size of Woodland
Ownership of woodland
Management of woodland
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Wildlife
Species
Where sighted
Month sighted
Comments
Any further comments on biodiversity:
Please send your completed audit to
School Grounds Liaison Officer
Groundwork Manchester, Salford and Trafford
Phoenix House, 61 Spear Street
Manchester M1 1DF
Or fax it to 0161 237 3939
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